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REVIEWLife is full of “labs”—challenging, frustrating, and even discouraging moments where God is forming us. Throughout Exodus, the wilderness became a classroom where Israel learned, incrementally, more about who God is and what it means to live by His Word. When they encountered bitter water at Marah, their need quickly turned to grumbling, but God used that experience to teach them about trusting Him and following His ways. Sometimes it’s okay to feel frustrated with God—even to get a little testy with Him. He isn’t intimidated by our questions, emotions, or struggles. He can meet us there and continue teaching us.
Everyday life is still a lab. We don’t have to learn everything at once; God grows us step by step, helping us know Him more deeply so that we can love and serve others more faithfully.
That’s part of what we see in Exodus 18. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a shepherd with a gift for wisdom. With humility and respect, he observed Moses’ leadership and offered a better way to care for the people. Moses was humble enough to receive wisdom, and Jethro was willing to use his gifting to serve. God used one person’s gift to help another person grow—and ultimately to benefit the entire community.
We are a gifted community, too. God has uniquely equipped each of us, often in ways that come naturally. Some instinctively pray, organize, encourage, lead, worship, notice details, or serve behind the scenes. These gifts aren’t about recognition; they are opportunities to love and serve others.
As our passion and gifting intersect, God can use us in mighty ways. As we continue our 24 Days of Prayer focused on humility, may we remain teachable in life’s labs, embrace incremental growth, recognize our God-given gifts, and use them faithfully—for the good of one another and ultimately for His glory.
REFLECT
What “lab” am I in right now, and what might God be teaching me through it?
Am I humble and teachable enough to receive wisdom—even when it comes from someone else?
What gift has God placed in me that I could intentionally use to encourage, serve, or strengthen someone this week?
RESPOND
Lord, keep me teachable
in every lab You give.
Help me trust You step by step,
receive wisdom with humility,
and use the gifts You’ve given me
to serve others well.
May my growth bring You glory
and bless the people around me.
Amen.
RELATE
Look for the gift in someone else.
This week, pay attention to something someone naturally does well—encouraging, organizing, listening, leading, serving, noticing needs, or something else. Instead of simply appreciating it privately, tell them you see it and thank them for how their gift blesses others. Sometimes helping someone recognize their God-given gifting is a gift in itself.
REHEARSE
“So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law.” — Exodus 18:24
READ
Revisit: Exodus 18:1-27
Read Ahead: Exodus 19:1-25